Monday, November 18, 2013

A Sweet (and healthy) Pudding

Yes, yes, it's true! My sister-in-law first showed me a recipe in a magazine clip-out this summer and since then, I've seen it posted numerous times on Instagram. The only thing that kept me from making this is that the avocado would always be eaten either in a salad, sandwich or for a snack before I got the chance to make it into a dessert! Avocados are a great source of healthy fat and provide about 20 healthy nutrients including fiber, folic acid, potassium, and vitamins B6, C, E and K. The benefits of eating avocados include lowering blood pressure; reducing inflammation therefore aiding digestion; as well as maintaining a healthy brain and a healthy heart.The texture of this pudding is smooth and creamy, I like adding the cinnamon and vanilla to add depth to the flavor. My daughter reasoned that since this is such a healthy dessert, she should be allowed to have it for breakfast. Hmmmm, maybe....

CHOCOLATE PUDDING

SUGAR-FREE, DAIRY-FREE, GLUTEN-FREE (serves 4)

2 avocados

4 Tablespoons of 100% cocoa or cacao powder

4-6 Tablespoons maple syrup (to taste)

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Shaved dark chocolate, or cacao nibs to garnish

Blend everything together in a food processor until smooth. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.